CA1304158C - Reuseable write enable/disable indicator for a video tape cassette - Google Patents
Reuseable write enable/disable indicator for a video tape cassetteInfo
- Publication number
- CA1304158C CA1304158C CA000541334A CA541334A CA1304158C CA 1304158 C CA1304158 C CA 1304158C CA 000541334 A CA000541334 A CA 000541334A CA 541334 A CA541334 A CA 541334A CA 1304158 C CA1304158 C CA 1304158C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- write enable
- recited
- retaining
- enable device
- wall
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000000979 retarding effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 3
- 241001249696 Senna alexandrina Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000905957 Channa melasoma Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000018734 Sambucus australis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000180577 Sambucus australis Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000024109 Spiris Species 0.000 description 1
- DHKHKXVYLBGOIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N acetaldehyde Diethyl Acetal Natural products CCOC(C)OCC DHKHKXVYLBGOIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 125000002777 acetyl group Chemical class [H]C([H])([H])C(*)=O 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005236 sound signal Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
- G11B23/28—Indicating or preventing prior or unauthorised use, e.g. cassettes with sealing or locking means, write-protect devices for discs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
- G11B23/28—Indicating or preventing prior or unauthorised use, e.g. cassettes with sealing or locking means, write-protect devices for discs
- G11B23/288—Protecting disks from being written or overwritten
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
- G11B23/02—Containers; Storing means both adapted to cooperate with the recording or reproducing means
- G11B23/04—Magazines; Cassettes for webs or filaments
- G11B23/041—Details
- G11B23/042—Auxiliary features
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
- Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
- Rotational Drive Of Disk (AREA)
- Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A write enable tab is repeatedly movable from a first position, enabling writing on a signal storage unit, to a second position, disabling writing thereon. The write enable tab preferably includes a central body and a flexible member which exert force against first and second walls of a tape cassette shell. The flexible member is attached at a first end to the central body. A second end of the flexible member projects into first and second depressions in the first wall when the central body is in the first and second positions, respectively.
A write enable tab is repeatedly movable from a first position, enabling writing on a signal storage unit, to a second position, disabling writing thereon. The write enable tab preferably includes a central body and a flexible member which exert force against first and second walls of a tape cassette shell. The flexible member is attached at a first end to the central body. A second end of the flexible member projects into first and second depressions in the first wall when the central body is in the first and second positions, respectively.
Description
~ 3~4~;8 The present invention relates to a reusable write enable/disable indicator, and more parti~ularly, to a write enable/disable tab on a tape cassetke, particularly a ~ideo tape cassette, which can be positioned to prevent recordiny of video or audio signals on the tape cassette.
Audio and video signals are conventionally recorded on tape cassettes by accessing a magnetic tape through an opening on one side (or front) of the cassette. On the opposite side (or rear) of the cassette, one or two (in the case of audio cassettes) write enable tabs are located.
These tabs are conventionally formed as an integral part of the cassette shell, but are attached on only one side of a rectangle. The location and size of the tab, as well as the distance the tab may bend in response to a specific force, like other dimensions and specifications of video tape cassettes are determined by industry standards. Examples of typical video tape cassettes can be found in U.S. Patents 4,173,319 and 4,484,248. A sensing mechanism is included in most tape cas~ette recording equipment to sense whether the write enable tab is in place on the cassette inserted into the recording equipment. When it is desired to prevent accidental erasure of a tape's contents, the conventional tan or tabs on the cassette are bent and broken off.
As a result, if it is subsequently decided to record 2~ over the contents of the tape, which typically is a freguent occurrence, it is necessary to place a piece of tape over the opening(s) in the cassette shell so that the sensing mechanism in the recording equipment does not sense any opening in the cassette shell. This is a cumbersome process which doesn't always~work. For example, the sensing mechanism may push the tape into the opening. In addition, the procedure may need to be repeated fairly often if the ,~,$
.
130~
tape used to cover the opening loses its adhesiveness and falls off the cassette shell. If this occurs while the ca~sette is in recording or playback equipment, an additlonal drawback arises from the possibility of the loosened tape damaging the recording or playback equipment.
As described above, the conventional technique for indicating "write disable" of a tape cassette is both awkward and relatively permanent. Thus, it is likely that when only a temporary "write disable" is desired, the write enable tab is left in place and the possibility of erasure of the tape's contents becomes an accepted risk.
The present invention provides a write enable tab which is reusable.
The present invention also provides a reusable write enable tab for a video cassette without any changes in conventional design and performance specifications.
The present invention further provides a write enable tab which remains attached to a tape cassette shell when moved to a write disabled position.
The present invention still further provides a write enable tab which is easily moved between two positions, one of which enables writing of a signal onto a tape cassette and the other of which disables writing on the tape cassette.
In one aspect the invention is attained by providing a write enable indicator for a signal storage unit, including movable means for enabling recording of a signal in the signal storage unit when the movable means is in a second ~3~
position. Also included is retaining means for retaining said movable means in the second position and for permitting the movable means to repeatedly move between the first and second positions in response to an external force.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the write enable indicator is used on a tape cassette comprising a shell substantially surrounding a signal storag~ element.
Retaining means are preferably ~o~med as an integral part of the shell of the tape cassette. The movable means preferably includes sliding means with a central body, extensions a~d internal and external surfaces and movement retarding means formed by a flexible member attached at a first end to the internal surface of the sliding means. The retaining means preferably includes first and second walls having respective first and second surfaces facing each other to form a cavity there between. The first surface of the first wall preferably includes two depressions separated, along a first axis. The sliding means moves along the first axis from the first position to the second position in response to the external force. The flexible member preferably includes a second end projecting into the fixst and second depressions when the sliding means is in the first and second positions, respectively.
In a further aspect the invention provides a write enable device on a tape cassette to allow and prohibit recording on the tape, the cassette having a tape cassette housing with a top cover shell half and a lower base shell half, the tape cassette housing forming an elongated front surface through which the tape contained by the tape cassette housing is accessed, an elongated rear surface opposite the front surface, side surfaces, and top and bottom surfaces, comprising: (a) movable, sliding means fitted integrally of ~3 t)~8 the cassette for enabling recording of a signal on the tape when said movable means i5 in ~ first position and for disabling the recording of a signal on the tape when said movable means is in a second position; and (b) retaining means for retaining said movable means in the first or second positions and for permitting said movable means to repeatedly move between the first and second positions in response to an external force, wherein the movable means and retaining means are located in the rear surface of the cassette housing, the retaining means having a first retaining subhousing formed by an internal wall of the base shell half rear surface and a second retaining subhousing formed by an internal wall of the cover shell half rear sur~ace and the movable enabling~disabling means being movable along an axis in the transverse direction on the tape cassette housing rear surface between the first enabling position located at the first retaining subhousing and the second disabling position located at the second retaining subhousing.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an external corner of a videotape cassette including a write enable tab according to the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a front view of the write enable indicator according to the present invention;
Figs. 3A-3D are cross sectional views taken along line 3-3 in Fig. 2, illustrating a write enable tab according to the present invention in write enable and write disable positions and two intermediate positions there between;
Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a write enable indicator according to the present invention;
Audio and video signals are conventionally recorded on tape cassettes by accessing a magnetic tape through an opening on one side (or front) of the cassette. On the opposite side (or rear) of the cassette, one or two (in the case of audio cassettes) write enable tabs are located.
These tabs are conventionally formed as an integral part of the cassette shell, but are attached on only one side of a rectangle. The location and size of the tab, as well as the distance the tab may bend in response to a specific force, like other dimensions and specifications of video tape cassettes are determined by industry standards. Examples of typical video tape cassettes can be found in U.S. Patents 4,173,319 and 4,484,248. A sensing mechanism is included in most tape cas~ette recording equipment to sense whether the write enable tab is in place on the cassette inserted into the recording equipment. When it is desired to prevent accidental erasure of a tape's contents, the conventional tan or tabs on the cassette are bent and broken off.
As a result, if it is subsequently decided to record 2~ over the contents of the tape, which typically is a freguent occurrence, it is necessary to place a piece of tape over the opening(s) in the cassette shell so that the sensing mechanism in the recording equipment does not sense any opening in the cassette shell. This is a cumbersome process which doesn't always~work. For example, the sensing mechanism may push the tape into the opening. In addition, the procedure may need to be repeated fairly often if the ,~,$
.
130~
tape used to cover the opening loses its adhesiveness and falls off the cassette shell. If this occurs while the ca~sette is in recording or playback equipment, an additlonal drawback arises from the possibility of the loosened tape damaging the recording or playback equipment.
As described above, the conventional technique for indicating "write disable" of a tape cassette is both awkward and relatively permanent. Thus, it is likely that when only a temporary "write disable" is desired, the write enable tab is left in place and the possibility of erasure of the tape's contents becomes an accepted risk.
The present invention provides a write enable tab which is reusable.
The present invention also provides a reusable write enable tab for a video cassette without any changes in conventional design and performance specifications.
The present invention further provides a write enable tab which remains attached to a tape cassette shell when moved to a write disabled position.
The present invention still further provides a write enable tab which is easily moved between two positions, one of which enables writing of a signal onto a tape cassette and the other of which disables writing on the tape cassette.
In one aspect the invention is attained by providing a write enable indicator for a signal storage unit, including movable means for enabling recording of a signal in the signal storage unit when the movable means is in a second ~3~
position. Also included is retaining means for retaining said movable means in the second position and for permitting the movable means to repeatedly move between the first and second positions in response to an external force.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the write enable indicator is used on a tape cassette comprising a shell substantially surrounding a signal storag~ element.
Retaining means are preferably ~o~med as an integral part of the shell of the tape cassette. The movable means preferably includes sliding means with a central body, extensions a~d internal and external surfaces and movement retarding means formed by a flexible member attached at a first end to the internal surface of the sliding means. The retaining means preferably includes first and second walls having respective first and second surfaces facing each other to form a cavity there between. The first surface of the first wall preferably includes two depressions separated, along a first axis. The sliding means moves along the first axis from the first position to the second position in response to the external force. The flexible member preferably includes a second end projecting into the fixst and second depressions when the sliding means is in the first and second positions, respectively.
In a further aspect the invention provides a write enable device on a tape cassette to allow and prohibit recording on the tape, the cassette having a tape cassette housing with a top cover shell half and a lower base shell half, the tape cassette housing forming an elongated front surface through which the tape contained by the tape cassette housing is accessed, an elongated rear surface opposite the front surface, side surfaces, and top and bottom surfaces, comprising: (a) movable, sliding means fitted integrally of ~3 t)~8 the cassette for enabling recording of a signal on the tape when said movable means i5 in ~ first position and for disabling the recording of a signal on the tape when said movable means is in a second position; and (b) retaining means for retaining said movable means in the first or second positions and for permitting said movable means to repeatedly move between the first and second positions in response to an external force, wherein the movable means and retaining means are located in the rear surface of the cassette housing, the retaining means having a first retaining subhousing formed by an internal wall of the base shell half rear surface and a second retaining subhousing formed by an internal wall of the cover shell half rear sur~ace and the movable enabling~disabling means being movable along an axis in the transverse direction on the tape cassette housing rear surface between the first enabling position located at the first retaining subhousing and the second disabling position located at the second retaining subhousing.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an external corner of a videotape cassette including a write enable tab according to the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a front view of the write enable indicator according to the present invention;
Figs. 3A-3D are cross sectional views taken along line 3-3 in Fig. 2, illustrating a write enable tab according to the present invention in write enable and write disable positions and two intermediate positions there between;
Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a write enable indicator according to the present invention;
, i ~13~ 8 Fig. 5 is a rear view of a tab used in a write enable indicator according to the present invention;
Fig. 6 is a side view of a tab used in a write enable indicator according to the present invention; and Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a tab used in a write enable indicator according to the present invention.
- 4a ~3~ 5 !3 The present invention is most easily applied to a videotape cassette, such as a VHS standard tape casse~te which is conventionally manu~actured with a single write enable tab covering a majority of a rectangular opening in the shell of the tape cassekte. A VHS videotape cassette has a relatively large write enable tab compared to other commonly used signal ~torage units such as audio tape cassettes and floppy diskettes and has been used for illustration in the drawings. In the case of the VHS
videotape cassette, a write enable indicator is positioned as illustrated in Fig. 1. The tape cassette shell 10 substantially surrounds two spools holding magnetic tape (not shown) which acts as a signal storage element. According to the present invention, a write enable tab 12 i~ formed of a single piece of moldable material, preferably acetal ~or lubricity, and preferably having a color such as red contrasting with the dark color of the video cassette shell 10. Initially, the write enable tab 12 is positioned as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3A. The write enable tab 12 provides movable means for enabling the recordinq of a signal on the signal storage element (magnetic tape~ in the ~ignal storage unit ~cassette) when the movable means is in the first position illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3A. The position of the writ0 enable tab 12 may be detected in any conventional manner, including exerting an external forae against the tab 12 using a sensor element which will not significantly move the tab 12, due to the relatively small ~orce, e.g., no more than lOO gram~, which is typically applied.
~3~
The rear surface 14 o~ the tape cassette 10 has two walls, an internal wall 16 and an external wall 18, integrally formed as part of the cassette shell 10. A narrow cavity 20 is formed between a first surface 22 of the internal wall 16 and a second surface 24 of the external wall 18. The walls 16 and 18 orm retaining means for retaining the write ~nable tab 12 in the first and second positions and for permittin~ the write enable tab to rep atedly move between tha first and second positions. The internal wall 16 is formed sufficiently close to the external wall 18 so that the internal wall 16 does not lntrude on the space allocated for the tape and spools.
; The write enable tab 12 is moved from the first position, illustrated in Fig. 3A to the second position illustrated in Fig. 3D by exerting an external force on the external surface 26 of the write enable tab 12. The external force is exerted inwards and upwards on the wri~e enable tab 12 so that the write enable tab 12 leaves ~he plane of the external wall 18 and moves to the position illustrated in E'ig. 3~. As the orce contirlues to be exerted, the write enable tah 12 moves to the position illustrated in Fig. 3C and continues moving until it stops in the second posltion illus~rated in Fig. 3D.
As illustrated in Fig. 4, the cassette shell 10 is formed from two halves 28 and 30, preferably injected molded plastic.
The lower half or base 28 includes a first depression or opening 32 in the first or innex wall 16 and a large opening 34 defined by edges 3~ of the ~econd or outer wall 18~ The lower half 28 also includes part of a second depression or opening 3~ and E-ribs 39 which are ~orme~ as part o~ the inner wall 16 to force thè tab outwards until it is flush with the ~6--.... . ..
1 ~3~4~l51~
outer wall 18 when it fill~ the openi.ng 34. The opening 38 is urther d~fined by the upper halE or cover 30 which also includes a slot 40 in the first wall 16 and stops 41 on the ,! top of the cover 30.
~ AS illustrated in Figs. 5-7, the write enable tab 12 includes a central body 42 and extensions 44 which ar.e pressed ;~ against the second surface 24 (Figs. 3A and 3B~ o the seco~d wall 18 by a 1exible member 46. The flexible member 46 has a , first end 48 attached to the internal surface 50 of the central body 42 and a second end 52 which exerts an internal force against the flrst surface 22 (Fig. 4) of the first wall 16. As illustrated in Figs. 3B and 3C, the flexible member 46 " is flexed as the write enable tak 12 is moved from the first il position in Fig. 3A to the second position Fig. 3D. In the 15ll ~irst and second positions, the flexible member 46 projects the second end 52 into the first and second depressions 32 and 38, .respectively, thereby holding the write enable tab 12 in place. When used in a conventional VHS video cassette, the flexible member 46 wlths~ands the force exerted b~ the sensor element in the first position (illustrated in Fig. 3A) to enable writing on the video cassstte~ The write enable tab 12 al50 includes a projection 54 which extends into the slo~ 40O
The corners of the projection 54 may be rounded as illustrated at the top of Fig. S or squared as illustrated in the center of Fig. 5. The projection 54 and slot 40 form first and second alignment means which direct the write enable tab 1~ to move alon~ a first axis between the first and second . positions. As described above, the flexible member 48 exerts .. .,.~ . t~ internal. force along a second axis which intersects the ~ first axis.
, ~ 36~ 8 s best seon in FL~. 4, the external surface 26 oE the write enable tab 12 includes a notch 58 or a pinhole 59, or both, which provide engagement means for a sti~f object, such as a fingexnail in the notch 58 or a ballpoint pen in the pinhole ~9, to exert a downward or upward force on the write enable tab 12. The stops 41 (Fig. 4) are included to ensure that the notch 58 or pinhole 59 is exposed when the majority of the write enable ta~ 12 has been moved to the position illustrated in Fig. 3D, out of the op~ning 34 and offse~ from the plane o the external wall 18. This arrangement allows the write enable tab 12 to be easily moved from the second position illustrated in FigO 3D to the first position illustrated in Fig. 3A to again enable writing of a signal onto the signal storage element, i.e., on magne~ic tape in the tape cassette 10. The notch 58 and pinhole 59 are preferable to a positive projection extending from the external surface 26 of the tab 12, because they reduce the chance of accidental movement by the cassette user.
I The above write enable/disable indicator is particularl~
20 I suitable for video tape cassettes because it is readily adaptable to existirlg video tape cassette specifications, easy to manuacture of a moldable material and easy to assemble into the video tape casse~te cover and base shell halves for mass productibn.
The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the detailed specifica~ion, and thus it is intended by the appended claLms7 to cover all such features and advantages of the sys~em which fall within the true splrit and ~c~o~ of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications . ~ .
and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, from the disclosure of this inven~ion, it is not desired to ~3~5~
I limit the invention to the exact construction and operation ¦ illustrated and described.
For example, it may be possible to "retrofit" existing VCR casettes by manufacturing inserts which fit into the space left by a broken conventional tab and which include a write enable tab and tracks to hold the tab in place at a~l our (4 positions illustrated in Figs. 3A~3D. The present invention could also be applied to write enable tabs used on audio cassettes. In addition, commonly used floppy diskettes, e.g., 5 1/4 inch diskettes, have a write enable notch which is covered by tape when it is desired to prevent writing on the diskette. If a wri~e enable indicator according to the present invention was used in this application, the tab would be moved to cover the opening to disable writing t instead o being moved out of the opening to disable writing.
Accordingly, suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, all alling within the scope and spiri~ of the invention.
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Fig. 6 is a side view of a tab used in a write enable indicator according to the present invention; and Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a tab used in a write enable indicator according to the present invention.
- 4a ~3~ 5 !3 The present invention is most easily applied to a videotape cassette, such as a VHS standard tape casse~te which is conventionally manu~actured with a single write enable tab covering a majority of a rectangular opening in the shell of the tape cassekte. A VHS videotape cassette has a relatively large write enable tab compared to other commonly used signal ~torage units such as audio tape cassettes and floppy diskettes and has been used for illustration in the drawings. In the case of the VHS
videotape cassette, a write enable indicator is positioned as illustrated in Fig. 1. The tape cassette shell 10 substantially surrounds two spools holding magnetic tape (not shown) which acts as a signal storage element. According to the present invention, a write enable tab 12 i~ formed of a single piece of moldable material, preferably acetal ~or lubricity, and preferably having a color such as red contrasting with the dark color of the video cassette shell 10. Initially, the write enable tab 12 is positioned as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3A. The write enable tab 12 provides movable means for enabling the recordinq of a signal on the signal storage element (magnetic tape~ in the ~ignal storage unit ~cassette) when the movable means is in the first position illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3A. The position of the writ0 enable tab 12 may be detected in any conventional manner, including exerting an external forae against the tab 12 using a sensor element which will not significantly move the tab 12, due to the relatively small ~orce, e.g., no more than lOO gram~, which is typically applied.
~3~
The rear surface 14 o~ the tape cassette 10 has two walls, an internal wall 16 and an external wall 18, integrally formed as part of the cassette shell 10. A narrow cavity 20 is formed between a first surface 22 of the internal wall 16 and a second surface 24 of the external wall 18. The walls 16 and 18 orm retaining means for retaining the write ~nable tab 12 in the first and second positions and for permittin~ the write enable tab to rep atedly move between tha first and second positions. The internal wall 16 is formed sufficiently close to the external wall 18 so that the internal wall 16 does not lntrude on the space allocated for the tape and spools.
; The write enable tab 12 is moved from the first position, illustrated in Fig. 3A to the second position illustrated in Fig. 3D by exerting an external force on the external surface 26 of the write enable tab 12. The external force is exerted inwards and upwards on the wri~e enable tab 12 so that the write enable tab 12 leaves ~he plane of the external wall 18 and moves to the position illustrated in E'ig. 3~. As the orce contirlues to be exerted, the write enable tah 12 moves to the position illustrated in Fig. 3C and continues moving until it stops in the second posltion illus~rated in Fig. 3D.
As illustrated in Fig. 4, the cassette shell 10 is formed from two halves 28 and 30, preferably injected molded plastic.
The lower half or base 28 includes a first depression or opening 32 in the first or innex wall 16 and a large opening 34 defined by edges 3~ of the ~econd or outer wall 18~ The lower half 28 also includes part of a second depression or opening 3~ and E-ribs 39 which are ~orme~ as part o~ the inner wall 16 to force thè tab outwards until it is flush with the ~6--.... . ..
1 ~3~4~l51~
outer wall 18 when it fill~ the openi.ng 34. The opening 38 is urther d~fined by the upper halE or cover 30 which also includes a slot 40 in the first wall 16 and stops 41 on the ,! top of the cover 30.
~ AS illustrated in Figs. 5-7, the write enable tab 12 includes a central body 42 and extensions 44 which ar.e pressed ;~ against the second surface 24 (Figs. 3A and 3B~ o the seco~d wall 18 by a 1exible member 46. The flexible member 46 has a , first end 48 attached to the internal surface 50 of the central body 42 and a second end 52 which exerts an internal force against the flrst surface 22 (Fig. 4) of the first wall 16. As illustrated in Figs. 3B and 3C, the flexible member 46 " is flexed as the write enable tak 12 is moved from the first il position in Fig. 3A to the second position Fig. 3D. In the 15ll ~irst and second positions, the flexible member 46 projects the second end 52 into the first and second depressions 32 and 38, .respectively, thereby holding the write enable tab 12 in place. When used in a conventional VHS video cassette, the flexible member 46 wlths~ands the force exerted b~ the sensor element in the first position (illustrated in Fig. 3A) to enable writing on the video cassstte~ The write enable tab 12 al50 includes a projection 54 which extends into the slo~ 40O
The corners of the projection 54 may be rounded as illustrated at the top of Fig. S or squared as illustrated in the center of Fig. 5. The projection 54 and slot 40 form first and second alignment means which direct the write enable tab 1~ to move alon~ a first axis between the first and second . positions. As described above, the flexible member 48 exerts .. .,.~ . t~ internal. force along a second axis which intersects the ~ first axis.
, ~ 36~ 8 s best seon in FL~. 4, the external surface 26 oE the write enable tab 12 includes a notch 58 or a pinhole 59, or both, which provide engagement means for a sti~f object, such as a fingexnail in the notch 58 or a ballpoint pen in the pinhole ~9, to exert a downward or upward force on the write enable tab 12. The stops 41 (Fig. 4) are included to ensure that the notch 58 or pinhole 59 is exposed when the majority of the write enable ta~ 12 has been moved to the position illustrated in Fig. 3D, out of the op~ning 34 and offse~ from the plane o the external wall 18. This arrangement allows the write enable tab 12 to be easily moved from the second position illustrated in FigO 3D to the first position illustrated in Fig. 3A to again enable writing of a signal onto the signal storage element, i.e., on magne~ic tape in the tape cassette 10. The notch 58 and pinhole 59 are preferable to a positive projection extending from the external surface 26 of the tab 12, because they reduce the chance of accidental movement by the cassette user.
I The above write enable/disable indicator is particularl~
20 I suitable for video tape cassettes because it is readily adaptable to existirlg video tape cassette specifications, easy to manuacture of a moldable material and easy to assemble into the video tape casse~te cover and base shell halves for mass productibn.
The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the detailed specifica~ion, and thus it is intended by the appended claLms7 to cover all such features and advantages of the sys~em which fall within the true splrit and ~c~o~ of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications . ~ .
and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, from the disclosure of this inven~ion, it is not desired to ~3~5~
I limit the invention to the exact construction and operation ¦ illustrated and described.
For example, it may be possible to "retrofit" existing VCR casettes by manufacturing inserts which fit into the space left by a broken conventional tab and which include a write enable tab and tracks to hold the tab in place at a~l our (4 positions illustrated in Figs. 3A~3D. The present invention could also be applied to write enable tabs used on audio cassettes. In addition, commonly used floppy diskettes, e.g., 5 1/4 inch diskettes, have a write enable notch which is covered by tape when it is desired to prevent writing on the diskette. If a wri~e enable indicator according to the present invention was used in this application, the tab would be moved to cover the opening to disable writing t instead o being moved out of the opening to disable writing.
Accordingly, suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, all alling within the scope and spiri~ of the invention.
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~ g_
Claims (20)
1. A write enable device on a tape cassette to allow and prohibit recording on the tape, the cassette having a tape cassette housing with a top cover shell half and a lower base shall half, the tape cassette housing forming an elongated front surface through which the tape contained by the taps cassette housing is accessed, an elongated rear surface opposite the front surface, side surfaces, and top and bottom surfaces, comprising: (a) movable, sliding means fitted integrally of the cassette for enabling recording of a signal on the tape when said movable means is in a first position and for disabling the recording of a signal on the tape when said movable means is in a second position; and (b) retaining means for retaining said movable means in the first or second positions and for permitting said movable means to repeatedly move between the first and second positions in response to an external force, wherein the movable means and retaining means are located in the rear surface of the cassette housing, the retaining means having a first retaining subhousing formed by an internal wall of the base shell half rear surface and a second retaining subhousing formed by an internal wall of the cover shell half rear surface and the movable enabling/disabling means being movable along an axis in the transverse direction on the tape cassette housing rear surface between the first enabling position located at the first retaining subhousing and the second disabling position located at the second retaining subhousing.
2. A write enable device as recited in claim 1, wherein the movable enabling/disabling means is substantially visible at the rear surface when in the first enabling position in the first retaining subhousing of the base shell half and is substantially invisible at the rear surface when in the second disabling position in the second retaining housing of the cover shell half.
3. A write enable device as recited in claim 1 wherein said movable means comprises: a means for moving between the first and second positions along a first vertical axis; and a flexible member for retarding the movement of said sliding means, said flexible member cooperating with said retaining means to prevent said sliding means from moving form the first and second positions except when the external force is applied.
4. A write enable device as recited in claim 3, wherein said retaining means is formed as an integral part of the tape cassette housing; a first wall of the tape cassette housing has a first surface; a second wall of the tape cassette housing, is formed substantially parallel to the first wall, and has a second surface facing the first surface of the first wall to form a cavity there between, and wherein said sliding means moves between the first and second positions by sliding between the first and second surfaces.
5. A write enable device as recited in claim 4, wherein said flexible member exerts an internal force along a second substantially perpendicular axis to produce friction between said retaining means and said sliding means, at least when said sliding means is the first and second positions.
6. A write enable device as recited in claim 5, wherein the first surface of the first wall includes first and second depressions separated along the first axis, wherein said flexible member has a first end attached to said sliding means and a second end projecting into the first and second depressions when said sliding means is in the first and second positions, respectively.
7. A write enable device as recited in claim 6, wherein said second wall is an external wall of the tape cassette housing and includes an opening defined by edges of said second wall, wherein said first wall includes first alignment means for directing said sliding means along the first axis, and wherein said sliding means includes - a central body having an internal surface attached to said flexible member and having an external surface exposed by the opening in said second wall; extensions, integral with said central body, extending beyond two of the edges of said second wall on opposite sides of the central body and contacting the surface of the second wall; and second alignment means for interacting with said first alignment means to direct said sliding means along the first axis.
8. A write enable device as recited in claim 7, wherein the external force is exerted by a stiff object, and wherein said sliding means further comprises engagement means for engaging the stiff object to transmit the external force to said central body.
9. A write enable device as recited in claim 8, wherein said engagement means is a notch in the external surface of said central body.
10. A write enable device as recited in claim 9, wherein said sliding means substantially fills the opening in said second wall when said sliding means is in the first position and a majority of said sliding means, excluding the notch, is removed from the opening in said second wall when the sliding means is in the second position.
11. A write enable device as recited in claim 10, wherein said tape cassette is a video tape cassette.
12 12. A write enable device as recited in claim 5, wherein the external fore is exerted by a stiff object, and wherein said sliding means comprises engagement means for engaging the stiff object to transmit the external force to said sliding means.
13. A write enable device as recited in claim 12, wherein said engagement means is a notch in the external surface of said central body.
14. A write enable device as recited in claim 12, wherein said engagement means is a pinhole in the external surface of said central body.
15. A write enable device as recited in claim 1, wherein a single opening is formed in the base shell half for applying the external force to the enabling/disabling means and thereby moving enabling/disabling means between the first and second positions in the retaining subhousing.
16. A write enable device as recited in claim 7, wherein a single opening is formed in the base shell half for applying the external force to the enabling/disabling means and thereby moving the enabling/disabling means between the first and second positions in the retaining subhousings.
17. A write enable device as recited in claim 2, wherein a single opening is formed in the base shell half for applying external force to the enabling/disabling means and thereby moving the enabling/disabling means between the first and second positions in the retaining subhousing.
18. A write enable device as recited in claim 15, wherein the movable enabling/disabling means, when located in the first position, has an external surface substantially flush with the external surface of the cover shell half and base shell half to form the rear surface of the tape cassette housing.
19. A write enable device as recited in claim 16, wherein the tape cassette is a video tape cassette.
20. A write enable device as recited in claim 1, wherein the first retaining subhousing is integrally formed as part of the base shell half and the second retaining subhousing is integrally formed as part of the cover base shell half.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US003,761 | 1987-01-16 | ||
| US07/003,761 US5184255A (en) | 1987-01-16 | 1987-01-16 | Video tape cassette with a reusable recording enable/disable slide tab |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1304158C true CA1304158C (en) | 1992-06-23 |
Family
ID=21707457
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000541334A Expired - Fee Related CA1304158C (en) | 1987-01-16 | 1987-07-06 | Reuseable write enable/disable indicator for a video tape cassette |
Country Status (14)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5184255A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0274566B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS63187485A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR910002497B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1016018B (en) |
| AR (1) | AR241344A1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE100623T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU605808B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8704206A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1304158C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3788866T2 (en) |
| GR (1) | GR871080B (en) |
| MX (1) | MX169146B (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ222340A (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2730228B2 (en) * | 1989-12-06 | 1998-03-25 | ソニー株式会社 | Tape cassette |
| JP2979613B2 (en) * | 1990-09-20 | 1999-11-15 | ソニー株式会社 | Tape cassette |
| DE9110112U1 (en) * | 1991-08-16 | 1991-11-14 | BASF Magnetics GmbH, 6800 Mannheim | Cassette with recording medium, in particular magnetic tape cassette |
| KR200149470Y1 (en) * | 1993-09-28 | 1999-06-15 | 장용균 | Video tape cassette case |
| JPH07111062A (en) * | 1993-10-14 | 1995-04-25 | Sony Corp | Erroneous recording preventing mechanism in tape cartridge |
| US5828534A (en) * | 1995-06-06 | 1998-10-27 | Lou; Eddie Y. S. | Write enable device |
| US6031675A (en) * | 1995-08-31 | 2000-02-29 | Sony Corporation | Recording medium device provided with erroneous recording prevention mechanism |
| US7142386B1 (en) * | 2005-08-26 | 2006-11-28 | Tandberg Storage Asa | Tape drive with microswitch protector |
| JP6767252B2 (en) * | 2016-12-09 | 2020-10-14 | 株式会社ワコム | Electronic pen |
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| US3320030A (en) * | 1963-06-24 | 1967-05-16 | Allied Chem | Production of sulfuryl fluoride |
| US3826489A (en) * | 1971-01-25 | 1974-07-30 | Data Packaging Corp | Tape cassette |
| US3848265A (en) * | 1972-07-31 | 1974-11-12 | Information Terminals Corp | Tape cassette |
| JPS49126014A (en) * | 1973-04-05 | 1974-12-03 | ||
| US3828363A (en) * | 1973-05-09 | 1974-08-06 | S Somers | Cassette containing two hubs carrying a magnetic tape, for use with recording/reproducing apparatus |
| JPS50119322A (en) * | 1974-03-05 | 1975-09-18 | ||
| US4012011A (en) * | 1974-10-21 | 1977-03-15 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Tape cassette |
| US3950786A (en) * | 1975-02-07 | 1976-04-13 | K/Tronic, Inc. | Magnetic tape cassette with sliding door to inhibit recording |
| JPS5540624Y2 (en) * | 1975-04-17 | 1980-09-22 | ||
| JPS5438190Y2 (en) * | 1975-04-22 | 1979-11-14 | ||
| US4173319A (en) * | 1975-12-13 | 1979-11-06 | Victor Company Of Japan, Limited | Magnetic tape cassette |
| AT356921B (en) * | 1978-07-13 | 1980-06-10 | Philips Nv | MAGNETIC TAPE CASSETTE |
| JPS5698759A (en) * | 1979-12-29 | 1981-08-08 | Sony Corp | Recording and reproducing device |
| JPS6048343B2 (en) * | 1980-01-12 | 1985-10-26 | 日立工機株式会社 | Printing timing control method for printing device |
| US4320422A (en) * | 1980-05-27 | 1982-03-16 | International Business Machines Corporation | File protect sleeve |
| US4320421A (en) * | 1980-05-27 | 1982-03-16 | International Business Machines Corporation | Rotary actuator for file protect function |
| DE3174054D1 (en) * | 1980-07-28 | 1986-04-17 | Hitachi Maxell | Magnetic recording tape cartridge |
| EP0056799A4 (en) * | 1980-09-01 | 1984-09-18 | Budapesti Radiotechnikai Gyar | Indicator device for cassettes loaded with magnetical information carrier. |
| JPS6343643Y2 (en) * | 1980-12-16 | 1988-11-14 | ||
| US4399481A (en) * | 1981-04-13 | 1983-08-16 | Loranger Manufacturing Company | Lockout device for tape cassette |
| JPS6319976Y2 (en) * | 1981-06-04 | 1988-06-03 | ||
| JPS5924479A (en) * | 1982-08-02 | 1984-02-08 | Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd | Magnetic disk cartridge |
| US4496999A (en) * | 1982-09-10 | 1985-01-29 | Espin Mario W | Video tape cassette and device therefor |
| JPH0630184B2 (en) * | 1982-11-22 | 1994-04-20 | 富士写真フイルム株式会社 | Magnetic tape cassette and method of operating the cassette |
| US4549240A (en) * | 1982-11-26 | 1985-10-22 | Verbatim Corporation | Write protection device |
| JPS59168876U (en) * | 1983-04-22 | 1984-11-12 | 富士写真フイルム株式会社 | magnetic disk cartridge |
| US4564871A (en) * | 1983-12-27 | 1986-01-14 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Automatic record-lockout mechanism |
| JPS6132285A (en) * | 1984-07-23 | 1986-02-14 | Sony Corp | Magnetic tape cassette |
| JPS6133290U (en) * | 1984-07-28 | 1986-02-28 | ソニー株式会社 | Recording media storage cassette |
| JPS61105983U (en) * | 1984-12-17 | 1986-07-05 | ||
| US4665456A (en) * | 1985-04-29 | 1987-05-12 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Reusable record tab for videotape cassette |
| US4685017A (en) * | 1985-06-11 | 1987-08-04 | Shape Inc. | Write/protect tab assembly for a floppy disc jacket and method for assembling same |
| US4618060A (en) * | 1985-11-07 | 1986-10-21 | Tarter Norman D | Floppy disc casing with optional write-protect capability |
-
1987
- 1987-01-16 US US07/003,761 patent/US5184255A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1987-07-06 CA CA000541334A patent/CA1304158C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1987-07-07 AR AR87308091A patent/AR241344A1/en active
- 1987-07-09 GR GR871080A patent/GR871080B/en unknown
- 1987-07-24 MX MX007491A patent/MX169146B/en unknown
- 1987-07-31 KR KR1019870008412A patent/KR910002497B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1987-08-13 EP EP87111742A patent/EP0274566B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-08-13 BR BR8704206A patent/BR8704206A/en unknown
- 1987-08-13 DE DE87111742T patent/DE3788866T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1987-08-13 AT AT87111742T patent/ATE100623T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1987-09-09 CN CN87106223A patent/CN1016018B/en not_active Expired
- 1987-10-19 JP JP62261893A patent/JPS63187485A/en active Pending
- 1987-10-29 NZ NZ222340A patent/NZ222340A/en unknown
- 1987-12-15 AU AU82550/87A patent/AU605808B2/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0274566B1 (en) | 1994-01-19 |
| CN87106223A (en) | 1988-07-27 |
| DE3788866D1 (en) | 1994-03-03 |
| CN1016018B (en) | 1992-03-25 |
| US5184255A (en) | 1993-02-02 |
| AU8255087A (en) | 1988-07-21 |
| BR8704206A (en) | 1988-08-02 |
| DE3788866T2 (en) | 1994-05-05 |
| ATE100623T1 (en) | 1994-02-15 |
| JPS63187485A (en) | 1988-08-03 |
| GR871080B (en) | 1987-11-12 |
| MX169146B (en) | 1993-06-23 |
| KR880009366A (en) | 1988-09-14 |
| KR910002497B1 (en) | 1991-04-23 |
| AR241344A1 (en) | 1992-05-29 |
| NZ222340A (en) | 1991-02-26 |
| AU605808B2 (en) | 1991-01-24 |
| EP0274566A2 (en) | 1988-07-20 |
| EP0274566A3 (en) | 1989-08-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |